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PC 03-22-76 CITY OF CUPERTINO, STATE OF CALIFORNIA 10300 Torre Avenue, Cupertino, California 95014 Telephone: 252-4505 MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON MARCH 22, 1976, IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBER, CITY HALL CUPERTINO, CALIFORNIA SAWTE TO THE FLAG Chairman Gatto called the meeting to order at 7:36PM with the Salute to the Flag. ROLL CALL Counn. present: Counn. absent: Adams, Cooper, Woodward, Chairman Gatto None Staff present: Assistant Planning Director Cowan Assistant City Engineer Whitten APPROVAL OF MINUTES Minutes of Adjourned Regular Meeting of February 26, 1976: Page 7, paragraph 7, line 1: Remove "n" from "spoke". Page 8, first paragraph, starting on first line, delete: "he believed since there was an appointed counnission that does change with time". Page 10, second line of first paragraph: Add "approval" after "H-Gontrol". Add to the end of the second paragraph: "All signs in conformance, but without permits, shall be grandfathered." Page 4, first paragraph, last line, delete "judificating" and replace with "adjudicating". Moved by Comm. Woodward, seconded by Comm. Adams, to approve the Minutes of February 26, 1976, as corrected. Motion carried, 4-0 PC-222 Page 1 2/26/ Minutes approved as corrected PC-222 Page 2 6-Z-76 removed from calendar l-Z-76 cont' d to April l2th MINUTES OF. THE MARCH 22, 1976 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Minutes of Regular Meeting of March 8, 1976; Page 4, add to the bottom of the page: "Chairman Gatto added that the intensity was consistent with the General Plan." Page 9, add to the bottom of the page: '7he Planning Commission recommends the City Council enact a procedure to allow review prior to all demolition permits issuance. tt Page 11, bottom of the page; Change "October 11, 1976" to ''March ll, 1976". Moved by Comm. Cooper, seconded by Comm. Woodward to approve the Minutes of March 8, 1976, as corrected. Motion carried, 3-0-1 Comm. Adams abstained WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS The Assistant Planning Director stated Mr. Martin Hall has written to request application 6-Z-76 be removed from the calendar. So moved by Comm. Adams, seconded by Comm. Woodward. Motion carried, 4-0 The Assistant Planning Director stated that late this date, the staff received a telephone call asking for continuance of application l-Z-76, The staff recommended it not be postponed longer than 2 weeks. Mr. Tom MacDonald, President of Oak Dell Homeowners Association, asked that they be informed of any subsequent public hearings on application l-Z-76. Mr. Don Barnett, representing the applicant, asked for at least 2 weeks continuance because the person in charge of this has suffered heart attack and as yet bas not come back to the office. Somebody else will be put in cparge of this project. Since there were no further comments from the audience, it was moved by Camm. Adams, seconded by Comm. Woodward to continue application l-Z-76 to April 12, 1976. Motion carried, 4-0 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS; There were none. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 22, 1976 PLANNING COMMIS SION MEETING PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Application l-Z-76: Continued to April 12, 1976. 2. Application 6-Z-76: Taken off calendar. 3. CITY OF CUPERTINO: Public Hearing to consider a specific general plan for the Old Monta Vista commercial area bounded by Freeway Route 85 on the east and Byrne Avenue on the west and consideration of a street plan line for Stevens Creek Blv between Freeway Route 85 and Ridgeway Drive (entrance into De Anza Oaks residential development). First Hearing continued. The Assistant Planning Director reviewed the March 19, 1976 memo from the Planning Director. He stated that once the number of lanes for Stevens Creek Blvd. is established, then the align- ment will be established. There are also some land use problems to be resolved. Mr. Don Goodrich's traffic study of March 1976 was reviewed. It determined that a minimum of four traveled lanes will be required on Stevens Creek Blvd. from Bubb Road to Foothill Blvd. He studied the possibility of retaining two lanes from Byrne Avenue to Janice Avenue, but he has determined this would be impossible without reaching level F traffic. The Assistant Planning Directo explained the significance of level F traffic. The Assistant Planning Director answered Chairman Gatto that the time frame and the financing have not as yet been discussed. The staff would like to come back with these questions in July. The Assistant Planning Director said the staff would like the Commission and the audience and staff to discuss the possibility of a two-lane section between Phar Lap Drive and Janice Avenue. Three exhibits were placed on the bulletin board: The Old Manta Vista Section;,Hoo Hoo Hill, and Stevens Creek Blvd. near Janice Avenue. The staff recommends parking lanes in the Old Monta Vista commerc 1 section be deleted and replaced with bike lanes and a l2' median. No parking is reconnnended along Stevens Creek Blvd., fr the railroad tracks to the top of the hill. Comm. Adams commended the staff for putting together the staff report incorporating the most viable and adaptable desires of most of the people in that area. PC-222 Page 3 PC-222 Page 4 MINUTES OF THE MARCH 22, 1976 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING The Assistant Planning Director next reviewed the City/County Jurisdiction Map, pointing out the land uses. He next reviewed the diagram of the traffic signal proposal. Orange Avenue would be realigned to meet Mann Drive and would be signalized. The Assistant Planning Director next reviewed a series of hypothetical development plans for Old Manta Vista commercial and industrial areas. Some zoning changes are being recommended, such as the west side of Imperial Avenue now designated industrial to be allowed commercial/ industrial mix. The staff recommended the establishment of a Parking District along a, portion of Pasadena Avenue and Imperial Avenue. Chairman Gatto said the staff has done a commendable job in giving the Planning Commission and the public some food for thought. The decision was made that the City would not form a redevelopment area and force a plan. The staff agreed that it would be feasible to build a convenience center in the Old Monta Vista area. It has been determined that Old Manta Vista Downtown shall be maintained. The rural character west of the commercial section should be preserved. The Assistant Planning Director reviewed the Stevens Creek Blvd. Plan Line Study: Land Use Goals and Policies. He answered Comm. Cooper that the City will be hiring an acoustical engineer, an air quality expert - who will also look at 2 lanes on Stevens Creek Blvd. and how this affects air quality, a biologist, and the staff will do some socia-economic studies. They will look at relocating commercial and residential. Cost studies of alternatives will also be done by the staff. The Assistant Planning Director answered Chairman Gatto that the staff is thinking in terms of l3-1S acres of commercial. The Assistant City Engineer said the Parking District would require incorporation. If would affect existing residences along Imperial Avenue and Pasadena Avenue. As the discussions were opened to the public it was stressed that the three main topics under discussion at this meeting were roadway design, character of the area and land use. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 22, 1976 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING PC-222 Page 5 Ms. Patti Brisco, Orchard Court, Monta Vista, stated she was representing the Monta Vista Area concerned with the downtown area. They would like to work with the County and City officials. She showed colored slides of the Manta Vista they would like to retain and of the new residential area at Stevens Creek Blvd. and F-oothill Blvd. with its perimeter walls that they would not like to See happen anymore. She said this is a prime recreation area and all it needs is a facelift. The goal is to have individuals install some greenery and benches in front of their stores and not raise taxes. Mr. Louis Stocklmeir, Scenic Blvd., Cupertino, stated that his- torically, back to l882, Manta Vista was designated as a part of the Cupertino Area. Some 30 years later it was known as the Mont Vista railroad stop. He went on to relate the history of the area and original and subsequent owners of the properties. He said Cupertino Road has never been a part of the Russellhurst Subdivision because Mr. Anthony, of the Anthony Ranch, did not care to participate. Mr. Stocklmeir is the larger property owner on Scenic Blvd. The developer of Russelhurst had to obtain from him the access to the Russellhurst subdivision. Mr. Stocklmeir's concern was that the historical background was being distorted. He feels that the term "Old Manta Vista" is a misnomer; Cupertino has a far older name - going back to 1775-76. His property is both east and west of Stevens Creek and north and south of Steven Creek Blvd, with much of it having been agriculture. Mr. Mark Rendes, 21912 Almaden Avenue, Cupertino, said he believe the staff's proposal would introduce more traffic to their area and, therefore, is self defeating. He teaches Biology in Fremont High School, and he is very concerned about the change in the ecology of the area where he once took his students on field trip The red tail hawks have left the area and, presumably, have gone up into the higher hills. He contends that improvement of Steven Creek Blvd. would increase taxes and would force the elderly people in his neighborhood to sell their homes. Mrs. Jane Brokaw, 10081 Carmen Road, Monta Vista, said she is interested in 3 lanes because it will directly affect her home. It will alter the character of the area. She asked if the 3-lane proposal would affect the truck traffic. The Assistant City Engineer answered that this is not now a truck route and as far as he knows, there is no intention of making this a truck route. Mrs. Brokaw said the noise level at night is unacceptable to her now. She is very concerned about the impact of the wall along Stevens Creek Blvd. put in with the Ditz-Crane development becaus it takes away from the rural character. The dust from Permanente is very bad. She is against opening this area to commute traffic. She is in favor of extension of #85 to Highway 9. She suggested a poll among the residents in the area as to the level of service they are willing to put up with. She believes there are enough commercial enterprises nearby so there is no need for additional commercial in ~onta Vista. PC-222 Page 6 MINUTES OF THE MARCH 22. 1976 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Mr. Jack McGovern, 10060 Pasadena, Manta Vista, is concerned about the status of his home. The world is pressing in on Manta Vista and he would like to have the residences maximize the quality of their air, etc. He suggested in this computer study that it not include the constraint that people will sit in their cars at stop lights for 20 minutes. We should not yield to the car. He offered to donate his labor for one Saturday to help Ms. Brisco's plan, in the interest of our Bicentennial. Chairman Gatto called a recess at 9:30PM. The meeting reconvened at 9 :45PM. Optomitrist Richard Arakawa, 21682 Stevens Creek Blvd., Manta Vista, presented a petition with 112 signatures of people against the proposed widening of Stevens Creek Blvd. in Monta Vista. It WaS submitted to the staff. He said that just because a property is zoned commercial does not mean it must be developed commercial, especially since it has been used as residential for the 20 years that it has been zoned commercial. He sees no need for commercial development on the east side of Monta Vista. He would like to know how many families are in the 13-15 acres' proposed for the commercial area. Ms. Brisco said that when she refers to "Old Manta Vista" she does so with respect. Mrs. Mary Minake, 21876 Stevens Creek Blvd., said her home is where the barrier starts to Blackberry Farm. She would like to know where the widening is to take place. The Assistant City Engineer said this will be presented at the next meeting on this item. The staff has not gotten that specific as yet. She WaS concerned about getting out of her driveway and onto the street. She said she was born and raised here and does not want to be forced out of her home. She would like to see the road stay within the present curblines. She would like to see the continuation of #85 and get the traffic off Stevens Creek Blvd. The Assistant Planning Director stated that the traffic analysis already assumes #85 will continue to UlOl down by IBM. Mr. George Mangano, 10204 Portal Avenue, Cupertino, identified on the map his property immediately to the east of the railroad tracks. It previously was zoned commercial but has been downzoned to residential. He owns parcels 17, l8 and 19. In order to get this entrance to Manta Vista upgraded, he said there must be some incentive. He asked that he be given back his commercial frontage. Parcel 9 could be for parking, with no exit to Santa Clara, which is residential. He has paid commercial taxes on his property since 1965. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 22, 1976 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING PC-222 Page 7 Comm. Cooper noted that the public has said they would be happy with F level of service at peak hour in 1995. The Assistant City Engineer said he spoke this date with the Traffic Consultant, who said F'level of traffic could produce breakdown of traffic for about half a mile at peak hours. For example, he said the day 1185 opened it was at peak level. Comm. Cooper said that what she hears from the audience is that they would be willing to put up with just a cosmetic upgrading downtown and to put up with F level of traffic. She said she has real concerns about F level traffic in terms of air quality, specifically in the pollutants that would remain in the natural valley at Phar Lap Drive. She believes people living in an area should be able to say what develops in their area. But as a Plan ning Commissioner, she would need the assurance that the traffic would not be at F level. She believes there is a way to go to 4 lanes and still maintain the character of the area. She would be willing ,to take~ the bike lanes off Stevens Creek Blvd. as long as they are continued somewhere else. It was brought out at this Hearing that the traffic projection does not include public transit. Mr. E. Sckuayo, 21670 Stevens Creek Blvd., Monta Vista, said he will be wiped out if Stevens Creek Blvd. is widened. The Assistant Planning Director answered Camm. Woodward that the financing would be a combination of municipal funds -- City, County and Federal. Mr. Stocklmeir said Mrs. Cooper had brought up an extremely important point. Back in 1900, the arroyo had only a little dirt road and wooden bridge. The valley was filled with dust. The prevailing wind during the day comes from the north and at niRht it comes from the south. The pollutants "not taken away by the wind are extremely detrimental to our health. ,Comm. Adams said it is the responsibility of the Planning Commis- sion to look out for the welfare of the total community for many years to come. Although the majority of the residents who spoke at this meeting say they would be willing to accept the F level of service, he wondered how many of us might still be here in 1995 when this is true. He thinks the 3 lanes in the one area probably is optimum. However. two lanes could go in by the bridge is such a way as to allow 3 lanes. He said the Brisco idea of upgrading is good for now but not for 20 years from now. For planning purposes, the Commission must plan for the future. He opted for 4 lanes through the commercial area and retention of 2 lanes with option for 3 lanes as the road goes up the hill. PC-222 Page 8 MINUTES OF THE MARCH 22, 1976 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING The Assistant City Engineer answered Chairman Gatto that the plan line was started a year ago. Once that line is placed, and if it should go through a house, it would be difficult to sell that house. Chairman Gatto asked the staff to explore the legal ramifications of this type situation. Comm. Woodward observed that this area and the area beyond is growing and will continue to grow. Public roads exist for the use of the entire public. No thought is being given to making this a speedway. There already is a policy in the General Plan saying the roads in Cupertino will be planned for B-G level. He feels the staff has gone just about as far as they can here. He believes bike lanes are needed in Old Downtown Manta Vista. He likes the idea of the median strip. He would be in favor of narrowing it down and putting some planting along the store fronts. He felt that on the whole, the staff had done a very good job here. Carom. Adams noted that the Commission has not heard any alternative proposals from the audience. Mr. Stocklmeir said there was' proposal to build an elevated structure from McClellan to Santa Paula. This fell through. A similar proposal was once made at Byrne Avenue. F.rom an engineering standpoint, and financially, it was not feasible. A depressed highway, starting at Foothill Blvd., right up to the Monta Vista downtown area, was also considered but would be very expensive. Years ago, when he was on a similar Commission in Palo Alto, they were considering depressing the railroad but Southern Pacific was against it because of the cost. He said the reduction of the 13% grade to about 7% would be of great help as far as air quality and the noise factor are concerned. Mrs. Darlene Romero, lOl48 Adriana Avenue, Manta Vista, said most people who live in Manta Vista cannot see why this would reach F. level service. She wondered what, then will happen to Cupertino, with its presently congested traffic. She said the people's main concern is their taxes. Bike lanes along Bubb Road are quite dangerous and would be along Stevens Creek Blvd. also. Comm. Woodward said it is more dangerous without bike lanes. Mrs. Romero said people are using Orange Avenue and McClellan now in order to avoid those traffic signals along Stevens Creek Blvd. This is an area where low income families can live. Cupertino has a need for low income housing. She suggested the commercial area in the County that has homes on the land be down zoned to residential. MINUTES OF THE MARCH 22, 1976 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Chaitman Gatto said in everyone of these situations there are trade-offs. The best compromise is to plan line for the 3 lanes to allow them when they are needed along the bridge. It would not have to be done all at one time. As far as the amenities are concerned, it is far better to put the trees, etc., near the buildings rather than in the median in the center of the road. It prevents a visual hazard the median would prevent turning at scme intersections. He said we must take a good, hard look at how this will affect the properties. Mr. McGovern said he appreciates more now the responsibility of the Planning Commission to the people who live in the entire area. The people here tonight are chiefly concerned with their own interests. If we are going to leave our children a legacy we must do things to minimize consumption of energy. Ms. Brisco said "We raised our kids in them hills and cricks". She said this was a quiet road until Foothill Expressway was raised to her roofline. then she moved. She asked that we learn fran Los Altos' experience. The Assistant City Engineer said he would like more direction as to what the Planning Commission wuld like from the staff for the next public hearing. Engineering would like to come back with three alternatives of horizontal alignments, including cost and impacts on existing properties. Comm. Adams asked the staff to consider trade-offs of median strip as opposed to no median strip and changes to sides. Certainly, bike lanes should be planned. The Assistant City Engineer said the staff feels the median strip is a safety factor. We are looking at 35 miles per hour along here. Chairman Gatto suggested they take the 70' width, and wor from there. Mr. Martin Hall, 11737 Par III Drive. Cupertino. in regard to the plan line up the hill, said he would like to know when the staff is going to indicate which plan line they prefer. The Assistant City Engineer said the staff's target date on this is July 8, to come back in with a full package. Mr. Rendes said he does not believe the need for the widening has been established. He would like to know the difference in the amounts of pollutants emitted by idling than by running cars. PC-222 Page 9 . PC-222 Page 10 MINUTES OF THE MARCH 22, 1976 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Comm. Cooper explained that when the Planning Commission was working on the General Plan these factors were all addressed. The air quality consultants have strongly stressed idling cars cause more pollutants. She advised Mr. Rendes to get copies of the Hillside Study and other reports by the consultants from the staff. Chairman Gatto said the purpose of a plan line is not to make the actual changes. It is there as a guide so when the owners of those properties wish to develop, they must abide by,the plan line. The Planning Commission hopes to provide enough breathing space so as to keep this area a pleasant place in which to live. In regard to the connection between Orange Avenue and Mann Drive, Comm. Cooper said it is very difficult to go east on McClellan and then try to get onto Pacifica. She would not like to repeat that sin. It would be much better to align the streets. Comm. Woodward agreed that in the event this intersection is to be signalized in the future, it will be much better if it is realigned. , Chairman Gatto said he could see some real benefit in changing some of the existing homes to some type office use, for instance, along Granada. He would like to see a residential/commercial/office mix here. with compatible but diverse type uses, side by side, maintaining the original frontage of the buildings. Mr. Mangano sais his front lots would be developable if he had parking ,in the rear. At the present time, there is no medium sized restaurant in Manta Vista. PH cont'd to June 24th Moved by Corom. Cooper, seconded by Carom. Woodward to continue this public hearing to June 24, 1976. Motion carried, 4-0 Mrs. Brisco wants a full stop sign rather than a yield sign at Old Cupertino Road and Stevens Creek Blvd. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Gatto adjourned this meeting at l2:0SAM. , I tTTEST: I APPROVED: M.